Pagcor Sees Stronger Regulation as Path to Safer Digital Gaming

Rapid growth in digital gaming has tested regulators worldwide. In the Philippines, the national gaming authority says those challenges are manageable with the right tools in place.

Speaking at ICE Barcelona on Tuesday, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco said regulation can keep pace with innovation when governments focus on enforcement, player protection, and accountability. He framed the current moment as one of adjustment rather than crisis.

Good to Know

• Pagcor says illegal operators pose the main risk to regulation
• Offshore gaming bans were fully enforced by the end of 2024
• Online gaming rules now focus more on player protection

Simultaneously, in a Wednesday press release, Pagcor said the rapid growth of digital gaming exposed regulatory gaps that traditional frameworks were never designed to manage. Tengco said higher standards should not worry licensed operators. He said the real concern should be the continued presence of unregulated platforms.

“The greatest threat is not higher standards,” Tengco said. He added that illegal actors undermine trust and warp fair competition.

Offshore Gaming Exit Reshaped Regulation

Tengco pointed to the government decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators as a turning point. Pagcor said enforcement finished by the end of 2024 after authorities linked offshore gaming to fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activity.

With offshore operations removed, regulators shifted attention to the domestic online gaming market. Pagcor described a move toward a more player focused regulatory model for licensed operators serving customers inside the country.

Reforms include tighter know your customer and identity checks, mandatory responsible gaming tools such as self exclusion and betting limits, and stronger advertising controls aimed at protecting minors and vulnerable users.

In July, Pagcor and the Ad Standards Council signed an agreement covering gambling advertisements across all media. Financial safeguards followed. Tengco said restrictions now apply to certain payment channels used for gambling activity.

Payments and Fees Tighten Further in 2026

Financial oversight expanded further in August when the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ordered digital wallet providers to remove direct access links to online gambling platforms.

Another step arrives this year. From April 1, 2026, all Philippines accredited gaming system administrators will need to pay a monthly minimum guaranteed fee, whether or not they operate electronic casino games. Pagcor said the policy aims to ensure fair government contributions and greater transparency.

“Regulation is not about avoiding discomfort,” Tengco said. He added that regulation should build a system that is resilient, accountable, and worthy of public trust.

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